I'll step outside the shotgun box, for a minute, and suggest a Ruger PC9, with 15 round mags. Very mild, much faster reloads(even for the not-so-gun-savvy), and a smith could take an extra 1" off the stock and fit a new pad, if needed (you can do it yourself, without much trouble, too). I know that's really pushing the budget, but it really is an easier shooting/handling weapon than a pump shotty.

I'll step outside the shotgun box, for a minute, and suggest a Ruger PC9, with 15 round mags. Very mild, much faster reloads(even for the not-so-gun-savvy), and a smith could take an extra 1" off the stock and fit a new pad, if needed (you can do it yourself, without much trouble, too). I know that's really pushing the budget, but it really is an easier shooting/handling weapon than a pump shotty.

That's a good idea. I forgot about that new rifle. It comes in under the $500 budget, but as you noted, cutting the stock would bump the total cost.

Also stepping out of the shotgun box you can get a S&W MP15 Sport for right around your budget. If you are willing to watch gunbroker you could probably get it for less. An adjustable stock AR15 gets pretty short. An extra $50 and you can put a Bushnell TRS-25 on it. That is 30 rounds, and I can't imagine them having to reload. If you weren't worried about slugs going through walls, the .223 isn't going to be worse and can sometimes be better. Also about a pound heavier than pump shotguns so should still be easy enough for them (6.5 lbs).

Also stepping out of the shotgun box you can get a S&W MP15 Sport for right around your budget. If you are willing to watch gunbroker you could probably get it for less. An adjustable stock AR15 gets pretty short. An extra $50 and you can put a Bushnell TRS-25 on it. That is 30 rounds, and I can't imagine them having to reload. If you weren't worried about slugs going through walls, the .223 isn't going to be worse and can sometimes be better. Also about a pound heavier than pump shotguns so should still be easy enough for them (6.5 lbs).

With 55gr soft point bullets, the over-penetration risk is minimal, almost non-existent.

This is another great suggestion, especially with the adjustable stock or perhaps a fixed LEO entry stock.

In case of any type of emergency may I recommend an alert button they can wear at all times. At least that way someone will be notified if they are not able to defend themselves quickly enough.
But then a Rottweiler may be good too

In case of any type of emergency may I recommend an alert button they can wear at all times. At least that way someone will be notified if they are not able to defend themselves quickly enough.
But then a Rottweiler may be good too

My father has one as well as whole house surveillance.
They can't hand a large dog anymore but they do have a yorki

I am not and have never been a LEO. My avatar is in honor of my friend, Dallas Police Sargent Michael Smith, who was murdered along with four other officers in Dallas on 7.7.2016.NRA Patriot-Endowment Lifetime Member---------------------------------------------Si vis pacem, para bellum